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Giambi to interview for Rox managerial post

Giambi to interview for Rox managerial post

DENVER -- Former American League Most Valuable Player Jason Giambi will interview for the managerial job with the Rockies -- the team he has played with the last three-plus seasons.

The Rockies on Tuesday still had not arranged the interview. The club also will interview Triple-A Colorado Springs manager Stu Cole, but for a coaching job, rather than for the manager's job.

The Rockies are clearly giving a thorough look to candidates within their organization before looking to the outside. It is not clear if they will go outside, if they find the right candidate early in the process.

Giambi, 41, is eligible for free agency, but is believed to be willing to retire if hired as a manager. The club last week interviewed Tom Runnells, who served as bench coach during Jim Tracy's full tenure, from May 2009 through last season. The team has not begun addressing candidates from outside the organization.

Giambi has been a trusted mentor of young hitters and pitchers, as well as a sounding board for Tracy and front-office officials. He has hit .248 with 22 home runs and 86 RBIs as a backup first baseman and pinch-hitter in Colorado. In 2012, however, he was limited to 60 games, first missing time while battling viral syndrome, and at the end due to a hernia that required surgery. He finished the year with a .225 batting average, one home run and eight RBIs.

Giambi was AL MVP with the Athletics in 2000. Over 18 seasons, Giambi has hit .280 with 429 home runs and 1,405 RBIs.